SunPower Jobs Blog

“At SunPower we’re committed to making clean, renewable solar energy available worldwide.”

Monday, November 9, 2009

3709 - Senior Performance Engineer

SunPower’s System Performance Group is responsible for characterizations and projections of installed system performance. The group creates and maintains specialized computer simulation software to model the energy output of SunPower products and systems, analyzes the long-term energy performance of a large fleet of grid-connected PV plants, and performs targeted field and lab tests to characterize the performance of both new and existing technologies.

The performance engineer’s primary focus is characterizing the performance of both new and existing technologies, from modules and mounting systems to entire operating PV systems. The position involves work within a dynamic, cross-departmental team of engineers, technicians, analysts, and internal customers to identify research needs, develop and execute analysis and test plans, and communicate research results to assist in the development of new products and services. Research will involve the use of existing data from SunPower’s operating fleet of PV systems and the acquisition of supplementary data through field testing and the design and execution of new test set-ups. Some travel and field work is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Develop and execute research, analysis and test plans
• Develop, test, and validate engineering models of component and system performance
• Characterize system performance using remotely-acquired energy and meteorological data
• Characterize systems and components using measured field data such as I-V curves, string current and open circuit voltage tests
• Develop procedures and methods for collecting and analyzing test data
• Communicate key results of research in a timely and effective manner to supervisor and other stakeholders through memos, reports and presentations
• Support product development, sales, marketing, and finance departments on system performance-related initiatives
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate analysis findings, research plans, or plans for product development efforts
• Plan and conduct field measurements of system performance; analyze resulting data and communicate results
• Respond to requests for information from customers and other departments on short notice
• Respond to customer and staff e-mails and phone calls daily
• Attend meetings; schedule and lead meetings

Education and Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in science or engineering field
• 2-3 years experience work with energy systems
• 1-2 years project engineering experience

Qualifications

• Strong time management skills
• Self-direction/initiative/ability to prioritize multiple tasks from multiple requestors
• People skills/Customer Relations skills with internal and external customers
• Strong communications skills, both verbal and written
• Advanced user of Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong knowledge of energy/power system, with knowledge of solar electric systems preferred
• Strong analytical skills, background in math and science
• Some background in climate or atmospheric science a plus
• Strong project management/organizational skills
• Strong sense of both technical and business aspects of PV industry preferred

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

Friday, November 6, 2009

3481 - Senior R&D Reliability Engineer

The solar electric industry is an exciting and rapidly growing business, providing excellent career opportunities and the great satisfaction of having a positive impact on the environment. SunPower Corp. (www.sunpowercorp.com) designs, manufactures and deploys the world’s highest efficiency solar panels, and is a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems, with over 350 megawatts contracted or in construction.

SunPower’s R&D team developed the original 20% all-back contact solar cell in 2005, released the 22% cells in 2007 and is presently working on the next generation technology. Enabling this high rate of innovation while maintaining world-class reliability requires a deep understanding what makes efficiency degrade over time. The ideal candidate is motivated by solving the highly complex puzzles embodied in the physics of cell and module degradation.

We are looking for an exceptionally smart and motivated candidate who has demonstrated a capacity for scientific innovation and leadership. This person should have experience that spans laboratory and field experiments, computer modeling, and manufacturing support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop reliability qualification methods for PV cell and module products, with an initial focus on acceleration factors for the effects of UV and thermal degradation over the 25 years warranty in various field conditions.
• Manage and mentor other engineers, and lead cross-functional teams with a strong drive for results.
• Innovate, and provide technical leadership for solving challenging technical problems with a positive, solution-oriented approach.
• Develop new cutting-edge diagnostics, to support manufacturing ongoing reliability testing.
• Drive design-for-reliability principles throughout the organization, and provide clear assessments of reliability risks.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications
• PhD in Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Physics or related fields, plus at least 4 years related experience required.
• Demonstrated capability in experimental design, uncertainty analysis, instrumentation and statistical interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage other engineers, and to lead cross-functional teams to deliver large projects to plan.
• Clear communication style, with the ability to create compelling presentations for varied audiences, from scientists and engineers to executives.
• Familiarity with silicon solar cells, characterization of PV cells and panels, degradation models, acceleration factors, etc., is preferred.
• Familiarity with semiconductor reliability physics of failure is a big plus.
• Creative, self-motivated and self-directed, and able to multi-task a large variety of projects in a fast-paced environment.
SunPower offers an attractive compensation package that consists of a competitive salary and equity. The company also offers an array of generous employee benefits.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

3641 - QA Engineer Principal

The solar electric industry is an exciting and rapidly growing business, providing excellent career opportunities and the great satisfaction of having a positive impact on the environment. SunPower Corp. designs, manufactures and markets high-performance solar electric technology worldwide. SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells and panels generate up to 50 percent more power per unit area than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. For more information on SunPower please visit the SunPower website at www.sunpowercorp.com.

Summary

Reporting to Director, Global Quality and Customer Satisfaction, Systems division, this position will deploy strategic quality initiatives to achieve end-to–end continual improvements across EPC (Construction) and Field processes linked to customers. We are looking for an experienced quality professional with outstanding track record to lead these quality efforts through systematic quality methodologies including Six Sigma, SPC and 5S. Serve as System division’s Field Quality Leader - ensure that new and existing project construction sites are monitored and built with highest quality standards, and non-conformances are corrected systemically and timely to prevent them from happening again. Team player, result oriented and hands-on contributor. Has a positive, optimistic, “can-do” attitude. Wants to win and manage effectively on both the strategic and tactical issues --- and ready to switch between the two. Possess strong leadership and team building skills, and ability to motivate others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
• Establish and deploy strategic initiatives to achieve quality improvements across roof top projects construction and customers.
• Develop measurable quality standards across roof top projects, and work with Operations to ensure that these standards are incorporated throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct Rooftop audits, record and correct any non-conformances systematically and timely.
• Learn, teach and collaborate on advanced quality methodologies – including 8D problem solving, SPC/SIX SIGMA, Poka Yoke, and 5S methodologies.
• Develop and deploy construction best practices
• Develop and implement learning and continual improvement program.

Education and Experience
• MS in Industrial/Mechanical engineering with 7+ years of Quality Management directly related to construction engineering and projects focused on solar industry.
• Demonstrated skills/background in improving field quality operations and customer satisfaction improvement programs.

Qualifications
• Solid track record of Quality Management --- and continual improvement using SPC/SIX SIGMA and 5S in a construction and project operations environment.
• Exceptional ability to solve problems and coordinate with global team members. Problem analysis/resolution at both a strategic and functional level. Ability to define problems, collects data, discern facts, root cause analysis, draw valid conclusions and influence decisions.
• In-depth understanding of NPI process.
• Team player, capable of working in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment.
• Previous experience leading and partnering cross functional teams with subcontractors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation skills. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from executives, managers, customers, subcontractors, etc.
• Experience and knowledge in a broad range of construction best practices and industry codes and standards.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

3553 - Senior Staff Engineer, Module R&D

The solar electric industry is an exciting and rapidly growing business, providing excellent career opportunities and the great satisfaction of having a positive impact on the environment.

SunPower Corp. (www.sunpowercorp.com) designs, manufactures and deploys the world’s highest efficiency solar panels, and is a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems.

SunPower’s R&D team developed the all-back contact solar cell in 2005, just announced 20.4% efficiency modules and is presently working on the next generation technologies. The ideal candidate is motivated by understanding and solving the module materials performance and degradation, thinking out of the box and able to deliver results in a high pace environment.

We are looking for an exceptionally smart and motivated candidate who has demonstrated a capacity for scientific innovation, problem solving and leadership. In this role he/ she will be responsible for the development of next generation module technology platforms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, test, qualify and support introduction to manufacturing of next generation encapsulants for increased performance and reliability of PV modules
• Develop testing and qualification protocols, material specification and in-process control for new materials in modules
• Develop and optimize technologies/solutions for module manufacturing to reduce cost
• Develop and perform modeling of stresses in modules and derive critical material properties as it related to reliability of the modules
• Work closely with reliability to develop acceleration factors for new materials introduced in module.
• Develop new cutting-edge diagnostics and testing protocols to support module materials development in R&D Laboratory and Manufacturing.
• Lead the development and purchasing of new tools for material characterization and testing.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications
• Minimum PhD in Polymers, Chemistry, Material Science, Physics or related fields
• Experience in Photovoltaics and/or Semiconductor field desired
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry, formulations and failure mechanisms as it relates to 25 years reliability and warranty of PV modules in various field conditions
• Experience with electrical and optical characterization of solar cells and modules
• Experience with developing and reliability testing of encapsulants/backsheets/coatings desired
• Experience with modeling of stresses in packages (eg. Comsol) required
• Knowledge of materials (eg. encapsulant, backsheet, glass) characterization and failure analysis techniques
• Knowledge of Statistical analysis of data (eg. JMP), DOE, Labview
• Excellent communication skills, self-driven, able to drive projects to timely completion by working with multiple teams
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Hands on work experience in lab environment; able to set up new experiments
SunPower offers an attractive compensation package that consists of a competitive salary and equity. The company also offers an array of generous employee benefits.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

4034 - MRO Commodity Manager - San Jose, CA

Reporting within the Supply Chain organization, this position has the authority and responsibility to primarily focus on purchasing non-production, maintenance, repair, and operations supplies and services. This position also implements supply base optimization strategies and assists in the selection and qualification of Indirect Suppliers within and outside of the Supply Chain team.

In this highly visible role, you will be expected to develop strong relationships with key stakeholders within the corporate and divisional levels and to execute sourcing strategies to drive value and significantly impact bottom-line profitability at SunPower.

You must be able to demonstrate through concrete examples that you have strong experience in sourcing and managing one or more of the following commodities at a global level:

•Copy, Print, Fax solutions
•Travel Agency and Ticketing
•Preferred Hotel and Rental Car
•Recruiting and Staffing Services
•Corporate Credit Card Programs
•MRO/Production Supplies
•Office Supplier
•Office Furniture
•Janitorial Supplies and Services

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

•Utilizes strategic sourcing process to manage assigned commodities for multiple global locations of SunPower with defined plans for cost savings, risk assessment and mitigation, and service level agreements.
•Identify all stakeholders for each major commodity and forms cross-functional teams to define and implement strategies that reduce cost, improve quality and delivery performance to improve SunPower’s competitive position.
•Builds cases for significant change and develops consensus among key stakeholders.
•Develops expertise in assigned commodities through external research, analyzes cost drivers and life cycle costs, and provides market intelligence with commodity price trends.
•Uses Supplier Segmentation to lead MRO Sourcing Analysis & Commodity Management, assists non operations purchasers in Supplier Management and selection.
•Analyzes current spend and evaluates current suppliers. Consolidates spend across multiple SunPower locations to create leverage, analyze purchasing trends and develop sourcing alternatives.
•Identify new high potential suppliers on global basis. Manages supplier selection process and ensures supplier selections are based on sound evaluation criteria. Leads in the development and execution of negotiation strategies with suppliers, including specific targets for pricing, service, and quality
•Manages short and long term contracts with suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply strategies.
•Develops key performance measures for chosen suppliers and negotiates on multiple variables to award longer-term strategic contracts that result in significant cost reduction and improved service levels. Manage respective supplier relationships and performance.
•Manages multiple projects, coordinates activities of team and tracks progress/ schedules.
•Deliver 5% year over year net cost reductions for commodities and programd that fall within assigned responsibilities.
•Prepares Business Cases, including ROI models, and effectively presents new programs to Senior Management.
•Develops implementation and transition plans to ensure sourcing benefits are fully realized
•Identifies and pursues Continuous Improvement opportunities to increase efficiencies and processes and supports change management initiatives across a multi-location global environment.
•Continually identifies and implements new opportunities for Cost Savings and Cost Avoidance and proactively tracks progress toward these objectives.
•Manages Internal Relationships: Ensures the needs of stakeholders are holistically met while ensuring compliance to Supplier Management policies and procedures
•Uses ERP, Purchasing, & Requisitioning Systems to facilitate purchasing, analysis, and compliance to spend policies

Education & Experience:

•Bachelors' degree in business administration, logistics, finance or related discipline. Minimum 5 years of experience in sourcing function or MBA with 2 years experience
•CPM certification is a plus
•Six Sigma, Lean and DMAIC problem solving experience is a plus
•Track record of delivering significant cost reduction and service level improvements.
•Expertise in negotiation of long term contracts with safeguards against identified risks.
•Exposure to vendor provided or third party technology solutions for MRO space.

Qualifications:
•Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.
•Strong negotiating skills.
•Strong analytical problem solving ability.
•Capable of influencing and motivating others with new ideas and concepts.
•Proficient at thinking and acting strategically, championing change, and generating innovative solutions. •Demonstrated ability to build teams and achieve a cross-functional consensus.
•Ability to work with key stakeholders in multiple locations and at various levels.
•Must possess an understanding of basic business and value stream concepts with forecasting & planning skills of Goods and Services providing transformation of Needs into Supply.
•Project Management skills a must: Determine when projects need to be initiated in order to optimize the Supply base or value stream. Plan Supplier related projects including identification of resources required for execution. Ensure the successful close of projects through appropriate control and tracking mechanisms
•Proficiently uses Microsoft Office & Other Desktop Applications for data mining and analysis. Experience in Microsoft Office programs and Microsoft Project and Visio
•Specific knowledge of Oracle R12 is preferred.
•Previous experience in a role requiring strong influence, coaching, and change management skills is a plus
•Experience with e-procurement and auction software platforms is a plus
•Knowledge of financial accounting, strategic sourcing, and supplier management concepts.
•Must be self-motivated and work with minimal supervision.
•Strong interpersonal skills and can work well on teams with members from multiple functional areas.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

4027 - NPI Commodity Manager

The Supply Chain organization is responsible for assessing, sourcing, and managing SunPower’s module material suppliers, supporting SunPower’s module manufacturing operations located in the Philippines, China, and Mexico.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

•Work collaboratively with R&D engineers and material managers to develop and execute SunPower’s supply chain materials strategy
•Provide informational service to internal customers (R&D, Prod Development, Operations) on strategic commodities.
•Assess and select potential new material suppliers
•Identify and map worldwide/regionally for strategic materials required by SunPower.
•Plan, develop and implement tailored development plans for strategic supplies from potential suppliers
•Monitor and report progress. Suggest and implement corrective measures to ensure success in a timely manner.
•Exercise business acumen to analyze and manage the financial impact of various alternatives (i.e. calculate NPV/ROI for alternate supplier strategy)
•Project manage the introduction of new toolsets including spec development, manufacturing Have superior communication skills to handle all facets of strong Supplier relationships.
•Prepare and Conduct presentations for technical interface with strategic Suppliers
•monitoring, tool delivery, and installation
•Achieve cost, quality, and delivery goals and objectives for SunPower modules.
•Strive to achieve competitive sourcing among multiple qualified suppliers through development and execution of commodity strategies
•Develop and negotiate supply contracts
•Develop and maintain productive business relationships with key executives at suppliers
•Design and execute enhanced new product introduction business processes
•Manage supplier performance and capability development
•Travel required as needed 30% (in Region)

Experience & Skills

•10+ years experience in a procurement, manufacturing operations, or sales environment
•5+ years supplier / supply chain management
•Experience assessing and rating the financial and operational capability of companies
•Ability to work independently, prioritize work and make decisions regarding formatting of work.
•Knowledge and experience in the use of ERP system (Oracle)
•Experience in the use of Microsoft Office required
•Track record of cost reduction through innovative sourcing effort High demand for presentations.
•Exceptional ability to solve problems and coordinate with global team members
•Highly adaptable in a very dynamic and changing environment
•Active understanding of the solar Supplier and equipment base. Material control and inventory management experience a plus.

Education

•BS/BA degree required; Engineering degree preferred
•MBA,MS/MA desired.

Qualifications

•Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a highly matrixed environment
•Ability to successfully interact and positively influence at all levels within organizations, included executive levels
•Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Fluent in English.
•Ability to assess the financial condition and operational capability of suppliers
•Strong business acumen
•Outsourcing experience a plus
•Strong analytical skills (i.e. cost modeling, quotation analysis, supplier selection)
•Proven track record in cost reduction.
•Extensive negotiation experience of large or multi-year contracts with global suppliers
•Expert knowledge in quality principles as applied to manufacturing /sourcing environment
•Knowledge and experience with Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma methodologies.
•Knowledge of NEC, UL, IEC requirements
•Ability to work in a rapid pace, very dynamic and changing environment.
•Ability to successfully interact and positively influence at several levels within the organization to adopt and execute the sourcing strategy.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

4035 - Supply Chain Planner - Richmond, CA

We are looking for an experienced, results oriented Supply Chain Planner to join our team in our Richmond, CA office. Working part time from our San Jose, CA office may be available.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Primary Responsibilities
•Manage and schedule delivery of materials to customer sites according to material availability
•Work internally within Operations with Logistics, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to prioritize material deliveries according to your schedule
•Act on behalf of the customer to manage and solve critical issues within Operations that affect customer satisfaction
•Manage allocation of constrained material between customers by brokering agreements between the different field personnel and management if necessary to best benefit SunPower and the customers
•Maintain on time delivery of material and customer lead time performance at or above stated goals
•Manage and resolve exceptions using Oracle’s Advanced Supply Chain Planning and Global Order Promise application
•Maintain accurate scheduling dates in Oracle’s Order Management application
•Contribute to continuous improvement of Operations by alerting management of key process issues, including root causes, suggestions for improvement, and implementation

Requirements
•4-6 year s experience in a related field
•Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•Ability to be extremely proactive and drive for results
•Ability to be flexible and go beyond the everyday job requirements to get a problem solved
•Ability to solve issues independently, but prioritize and escalate appropriate issues when necessary
•Advanced MS Excel skills and proficiency in MS Office applications
•Proficiency in an ERP application such as Oracle or SAP

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.